Shows
Two Ways NewsSeeing God at WorkDear friends,This week in Two Ways News, we continue the theme of family. Having dealt with the family of Cain in chapter 4, we turn to the new family of Adam. In this family, God’s word enables us to see the Lord’s plans for salvation, hinted at in Genesis 3:15 and worked out in Noah. We don’t often have sermons on genealogies, but hopefully this episode will help us see their importance.Yours,PhillipPhillip Jensen: Welcome again to Two Ways News.Peter Jensen: Phillip, you never wore g...
2025-11-0322 min
Two Ways NewsSin in the New TestamentDear friends,We come back today to the subject of men and women, though this time not from Genesis, but looking at how the New Testament looks at this topic.Yours,PhillipFreely available, supported by generosity.If you enjoy Two Ways News, why not lend us a hand? Consider joining our Supporters Club—friends who make it possible for us to keep producing this article/podcast. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to...
2025-10-0626 min
Two Ways NewsMarriage in the New TestamentDear friends,Once again, we are looking at the New Testament’s treatment of Genesis 1-3; this time, on the subject of marriage. We had several episodes on this topic, but it is so central to the New Testament understanding that we thought it worth spending an episode thinking on it.Yours,Phillip This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.twoways.news/subscribe
2025-09-2925 min
Two Ways NewsMen and Women in the New TestamentDear friends,We come back today to the subject of men and women, though this time not from Genesis, but looking at how the New Testament looks at this topic.Yours,Phillip This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.twoways.news/subscribe
2025-09-2222 min
The Pastor's Heart with Dominic SteeleHonouring Dick Lucas - with Phillip and Peter JensenThis week marks the 100th birthday of Dick Lucas, one of the most influential evangelical leaders of the 20th century. For nearly four decades as Rector of St Helen’s Bishopsgate in London, Dick shaped a generation of preachers and transformed a quiet city parish into a global centre of expository Bible ministry. The influence of his clear, fearless, and creative preaching continues to ripple out through pulpits around the world.We’re joined by Peter Jensen (former Archbishop of Sydney and Principal of Moore College) and Phillip Jensen (founder of Two Ways Ministries, former Dean of Sydn...
2025-09-1628 min
Two Ways NewsAre You Really In God’s Image?Dear friends,One of the great statements of the Bible that is most often quoted or alluded to in public Christian debate is the ‘image of God’. But what does it refer to, and to whom does it refer? In this episode we continue to look at the New Testament understanding of the early chapters of Genesis. And here we find there are more references to the image of God than in the Old Testament. For there is a great surprise in store for those who read Genesis 1.Yours,Phillip ...
2025-09-1626 min
Two Ways NewsThe New Testament CreatorDear friends,As you have no doubt noticed, Peter and I have had a great time pondering the early chapters of Genesis. But the best commentary and authentic understanding of Genesis is found in the New Testament. So for the next few weeks, we are turning there to see what the New Testament makes of the early chapters of Genesis.Yours,Phillip This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.twoways.news/subscribe
2025-09-0825 min
Two Ways NewsDying Day-to-DayDear friends,As we come to the end of Genesis 3, we see the judgement of death brought upon the serpent, the woman, and the man. It is surprising in many ways, for it outlines the character of death while we, apparently, are alive. We have so limited death to that point of the end of life that we are not understanding our present life under the sentence of death.Yours,Phillip This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access...
2025-09-0125 min
Two Ways NewsThe Necessity of SinDear friends,Thank you, friends, for subscribing and for your emails giving advice or asking questions.As we come to Genesis 3, we come to one of the most distinctive and controversial teachings of the Bible: namely, sin. It is surprising how deeply our society misunderstands and/or rejects the doctrine of sin. Surprising because we see sin all around us. I would like to say I hope you enjoy this episode, but the necessity of sin is not enjoyable, even though the Bible speaks of it’s fleeting pleasures.Yours,Phillip...
2025-08-2538 min
Two Ways NewsOpening Our Eyes to EvilDear friends,Two Ways News is freely available and supported by generosity. We hope you freely enjoy this and every episode, and that you will recommend it to others. If in your generosity you wish to support this ministry, the details of how to do this are at the end of this transcript.This particular episode is opening our eyes to what Adam and Eve saw when their eyes were opened through eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.Yours,Phillip
2025-08-1824 min
Two Ways NewsThe Faith of SatanDear friends,Two words commonly misunderstood today are ‘faith’ and ‘Satan’. In this week’s episode, Peter and I pursue our understanding of faith and Satan’s contribution in undermining it.Once again, can we encourage you to mention the weekly podcast to friends, colleagues, and neighbours? I hope you will enjoy this episode.Yours,Phillip This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.twoways.news/subscribe
2025-08-1125 min
Two Ways NewsIt's Tempting to SinDear friends,One of the doctrines of the Bible that is easy to demonstrate and widely rejected is the universality of sin. Sin is not an optional extra choice of some degenerate people. Sin is the inbuilt character of humanity. But what is sin? How did sin come into the world? What temptation did Satan use? How do moralists sin, and why are they amongst the most sinful of people? In this episode of Two Ways News, Peter and I discuss the temptation that came to Eve and its implications for our temptation to sin....
2025-08-0433 min
Two Ways NewsOf Snakes and SatanDear friends,Strangely, some people find it easier to believe in Satan than to believe in God. But what they think of Satan can be so different to the Bible as to not be recognisable. Moving to Genesis 3 has given us an opportunity to pause and think about Satan: his character, his nature, and his ways of operation. I don’t want you to enjoy a discussion on Satan, but I do hope you find it stimulating and informative.Yours,Phillip This is a public episode. If you'd li...
2025-07-2827 min
Two Ways NewsMarriage in the World TodayDear friends,One of the great points of conflict between Christians and the world is the topic of marriage. Though it is part of God’s creation of the world, seen in Genesis 1 and 2, the effect of sin makes it strangely foreign to today’s society. There’s nothing new in this, as Christians were called to be different or holy in this area of life in the New Testament itself. However, today’s discussion is about how different Christians are to be in an area of life where even non-Christian commentators are beginning to see the failure...
2025-07-2133 min
Two Ways NewsWhat God has Joined TogetherDear friends,As we continue to think about the creation of the man and the woman in the garden, we find marriage being introduced as the outcome of our sexual polarity. The woman is created to the joy of the man. Consequently, the man is to leave his parents to ‘cleave’ to his wife. The old-fashioned verb to cleave has been changed in most modern translations. But the concept of sex inside the marriage cannot be changed. So Peter and I wander into a discussion about sexual intimacy in and out of marriage.Yours,Ph...
2025-07-1434 min
Two Ways NewsParents and ChildrenDear friends,In Australia, the birth rate has dropped to below 1.5 children per woman. This is the lowest birth rate we have ever had and is clearly below the 2.1 children per mother necessary to maintain the population. How important is it to have children? Does marriage necessitate children? Is marriage itself necessary? In the special creation of woman in Chapter 2 of Genesis, the subject of parenthood is immediately raised. Peter and I are canvassing some of the issues of parenthood in this episode of Two Ways News.Yours,Phillip
2025-07-0728 min
Two Ways NewsMen and WomenDear friends,As we come to the end of Genesis Chapter 2, we open up some of the biggest topics for debate, happiness and unhappiness in humanity today. Re-thinking marriage has been part of our social dialogue since the Sexual Revolution of the 1960s. Re-thinking the reality and role of men and women, their sexual differences and similarities has caused great turmoil in society. I’m sure you will find our discussion in this episode as more food for thought and ammunition for debate.Yours,Phillip This is a pu...
2025-06-3031 min
Two Ways NewsThe AnimalsDear friends,Humans have always enjoyed living with the animals of God’s creation. But what is our relationship with the animals, and how should we care for them? Today we move from the abuse of animals to the worship of animals as we think about the Bible’s teaching on animals.Yours,Phillip This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.twoways.news/subscribe
2025-06-2325 min
Two Ways NewsThe GardenerDear friends,Apart from sleeping, we spend more of our life working than anything else we do. But what is God’s plan for our work? Indeed, what is work? And how does it differ from doing good works, or does it? After responding to a letter from one of our subscribers, Peter and I explore what Genesis means by our gardening. At the end of our transcript are details of a talk on the subject of work.Yours,Philliphttps://phillipjensen.com/resources/work-for-the-lord-2/ This is a pu...
2025-06-1633 min
Two Ways NewsThe Two TreesDear friends,In the middle of the garden, full of beautiful trees, there are 2 trees in particular. What is the importance of the tree of life? What is it telling us about God’s plans for humanity? Why is it singled out for special mention?The other, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, seems to be even more important in establishing the drama of life in the Garden of Eden and subsequently the storyline of the rest of the Bible. But what does it mean to eat the fruit of the tree of...
2025-06-1117 min
Two Ways NewsWas the Garden Paradise?Dear friends,Peter and I love gardens but hate gardening. However, all the good things about the garden are set out in Genesis 2. In today’s podcast, we explore God’s generous provision symbolised in the Garden of Eden. To what extent was the garden paradise that we need to regain? To what extent is the paradise promised to the thief on the cross something greater than the Garden of Eden?Don’t forget to encourage your friends to subscribe.Yours,Phillip This is a public episod...
2025-06-0226 min
Two Ways NewsMan in the GardenDear friends,One of the high points, if not the high point, of Genesis 1 is the creation of man, both male and female, in the image of God. There we are told of our responsibility to govern the earth, to multiply and to fill it. When we turn to chapter 2 of Genesis we are again told of the creation of man. This time it is in much more detail, and yet it still gives the same prominence and importance of man in God’s creation. Today’s podcast is a discussion of the movement of Genesis 1 to Gen...
2025-05-2621 min
Two Ways NewsWork and RestDear friends,The creation account of Genesis finishes in a most unexpected place – rest. The idea of God resting on the seventh day is so familiar to us that we sometimes miss how extraordinary it is. That God should rest and bless the seventh day, inviting us to share it with him is one of the wonders of the Bible. In a society dominated by and priding itself in ‘busyness’ and confused and conflicted over ‘work/life balance’, God’s teaching on the Sabbath day is a welcome relief for Christians. Yet it is not simply an individual i...
2025-05-1928 min
Two Ways NewsThe Genesis of ScienceDear FriendsYou knew that we couldn’t undertake a series on Genesis 1-11 without dealing with science – and so here it is. Mind you, it may be different to what you are expecting as we explore the background to the warfare between science and religion (aka Christianity). We do not want to hold the Bible to ransom from the captivity of science, but science from the captivity of history. Where has science come from and how has it been derailed or helped by an understanding of the sinfulness of humanity? Neither Peter or I claim any expe...
2025-05-1229 min
Two Ways NewsIn Praise of MothersDear friends,Motherhood and apple pie is no longer the foundation of Western civilisation. Apple pie is still pretty important, but motherhood has now been challenged. Peter and I had the privilege of the same mother, whom we loved and admire, and remember with great fondness. Yet the kind of family life in which we were raised has undergone considerable change during our lifetime. Mother’s Day brings us to reconsider family life.Yours,Phillip This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other su...
2025-05-0520 min
Two Ways NewsRemembering Anzac DayDear friends,For Australians, Anzac Day is the great national day. But what is it we’re remembering? And should we celebrate Anzac Day? In particular, should Christians be remembering or celebrating a military battle of the First World War? Does Anzac Day glorify war? Is it an alternative religion for Australians? I hope you will enjoy our discussion as Peter and I try and grapple with the history and purpose of Anzac Day observances.Yours,Phillip This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other su...
2025-04-2925 min
Two Ways NewsThe Failure of Resurrection ApologeticsDear friends,In this episode of Two Ways News, we’re looking at the resurrection both from a historical and a theological point of view. History and argumentation have great merit, and yet a defective presupposition that leaves us unsatisfied. Yet prophetic history not only satisfies our knowledge of historical events but also explains their meaning and purpose. Jesus said that without Moses and the prophets, people will not believe even if someone rises from the dead. This has been demonstrated over the centuries and in our age today. I hope you enjoy this episode. You can em...
2025-04-2126 min
Two Ways NewsThe Best FridayDear friends,I hope you enjoyed a great Easter break. Holidays are always marvellous opportunities to relax and catch up with friends, but the Easter holiday is even better because it gives us time to think about the greatest weekend in human history: when our Lord and Saviour died and rose again. The death of Jesus was so great that I would call Friday not just good, but the best Friday.Yours,Phillip This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access...
2025-04-1429 min
Two Ways NewsThe Image of God ReconsideredDear Friends,One of the most profound and widely quoted verses of the Bible is the creation of Man in the image of God. So, this week Peter and I went exploring some of its implications. It is such a fruitful concept by which to understand humanity, not the least because in the New Testament we find Jesus is “the image of the invisible God”. But before we get there, we need to understand how we are as individuals, male and female, in the image of God as well as how humanity, as a whole, is in his...
2025-04-0725 min
Two Ways NewsWhat and Who are Humans?Dear Friends,Thanks again for your feedback and encouragement. It’s great to hear that you are enjoying receiving the Two Ways News podcasts as much as we are in producing them.As we look at Genesis 1, we come to a great climax in the creation of humans in God’s Image. More bottles of ink have been spilled over this phrase than possibly any phrase in the Bible. What is the image of God? In what way are we in the image of God? What are humans and who are we? The questions go on a...
2025-03-3126 min
Two Ways NewsThe Goodness of GodDear Friends,‘Good’ is such a strange word. We all know what we mean by it, but it is so difficult to define. So when God declares his creation to be ‘good, very good’ what is he saying? Is the world itself good or simply pleasing? And if it is good, what is it good for?In this week’s Two Ways News, Peter and I venture into the meaning of God calling the world good and the implications that has for living in this world and the next.Yours,Phillip
2025-03-2426 min
Two Ways NewsWords and RelationshipsDear Friends,On Peter’s recovery, I thought it would be good to hear his views on the topic of words and power that Genesis 1 so importantly illustrates. So, we return to the topic of words and see how they create and operate in relationships. This brings us to how they are distorted and politicised by suspicious people. I’m sure you will appreciate coming back to the two voice podcast as Peter and I struggle through this important and highly contemporary issue of words.Yours,Phillip This is a...
2025-03-1726 min
Two Ways NewsThe Power of WordsDear friends,Sadly Peter was sick when we recorded this episode of Two Ways News, so it is a solo effort for today’s topic. Thankfully, Peter has now recovered. From Genesis 1 we see the power of God’s word, which is part of God’s wisdom by which he created the world. Thus, the power of words is one of the joys and problems of life. The devil’s power is in his lying words. Yet it is God’s word that never returns to him empty but always achieves his purposes. Understandably but wrongly, this leads peop...
2025-03-1030 min
Two Ways NewsChrist and CreationHello again, thanks for the feedback and encouragement. Peter and I are enjoying chatting over the great themes of the Creator and creation in Genesis 1. So far, we have been struck by the opening words ‘In the beginning God created’, which take us to the idea of one God and one universe. But yet when we come to John chapter 1 we find that the word by which God created all became flesh in the person of Jesus. Furthermore, in Colossians 1, the world was created not only through God’s son but also for him. So, in this w...
2025-03-0327 min
Two Ways NewsCreator, King and CountryDear Friends,Citizenship is a wonderful thing. To be part of something larger than yourself gives meaning purpose and identity. Peter and I grew up in the British Empire having been born before the granting of Australian citizenship. It was for the Empire that our parents and grandparents generation went to the world wars. Today that is almost unimaginable, for now people find their identity in being Australians.However, when we read Genesis 1 we are confronted with a ruler who is over and above every empire and nation because he is the Creator of all...
2025-02-2525 min
Two Ways NewsThe Foundations of Genesis Part 2In this second episode for the year, Peter and Phillip discuss literature and reading. Genesis 1-11 is a distinct form of literature; it requires a distinct form of reading. How are we to read this part of God’s word? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.twoways.news/subscribe
2025-02-1731 min
Two Ways NewsThe Foundations of GenesisDear friends,Welcome to Two Ways News for 2025. We have a great deal planned for this year which we hope you will find useful and encouraging for continuing to speak the truth in love to the world around you (see our About page for a reminder of why Two Ways News came into existence, in the beginning). Welcome also to Phillip‘s new co-host, his brother Peter. Welcome, finally, to the start of our series on Genesis. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to...
2025-02-1128 min
St Matthew's Shenton ParkRomans 8:1-17 - Phillip Jensen (8 Dec 2024)Romans 8:1-17 - Phillip Jensen (8 Dec 2024) by St Matthew's Shenton Park
2024-12-0847 min
Two Ways NewsThe truth factorDear friends,We recorded this final episode for the year on November 5—a momentous day in world affairs, the day when Australia stopped for a horse race, and when the USA settled a presidential race.We now know who won both races, but in this episode, Phillip and I discuss the nature of words and truth, especially in our politics and public discourse—because if the US election campaign exhibited anything, it was the seeming inability of both candidates to tell the unvarnished, straightforward truth. And it’s not as if Australian politics is much differ...
2024-11-2645 min
West Trust Annual LectureThe Death of Evangelicalism: Phillip Jensen (2018)Rev Phillip Jensen leads Two Ways Ministries in Sydney, Australia. He previously served as the Dean of St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, and the Chaplain of the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
For more information on Two Ways Ministries, visit phillipjensen.com.
For more information on the West Trust, visit westtrust.co.uk
2024-11-1956 min
Two Ways NewsQuarrelling over opinionsDear friends,While Tony is away at Evangelize 2024 in Denver, Colorado, USA, Phillip is joined by his brother Peter Jensen as they take a deep dive into Romans 14.It seems that regardless of the century we live in, people always find something to fight about, unable to extract ourselves from the sinful temptations of pride and passing judgment on others. It is no different in this passage as food becomes the object of quarrel.But it raises the question, how are certain foods clean to some believers and unclean to others? Are conscience...
2024-10-2252 min
Two Ways NewsWhat is a church?Dear friends,Debates about real nature of ‘church’ have been around even longer than Phillip’s and my combined age. It’s a complicated and perennial topic, but we thought it was worth another outing in this week’s edition because it’s also very practical.It’s practical not just because what you think a ‘church’ is will shape what you do in church. What you think about ‘church’ will also have big implications for all those other Christian activities or gatherings that aren’t ‘church’ (according to your definition).If that sounds intriguing, read (or...
2024-09-1744 min
Two Ways NewsThe resurgence of spiritual disciplineDear friendsToday we belatedly answer a question that regular reader/listener Richard sent in some time ago, but which got lost in the bilge of my inbox—which is a shame, because it is an excellent question!Richard asks about those voices today that are calling for a recovery of the ‘spiritual disciplines’—things such as contemplative prayer, solitude, fasting, sabbath-keeping, and so on. He writes:What is the history of ‘spiritual discipline’ and, we could add, ascetic practices, within Christianity and evangelicalism? How do we integrate the different strands of biblical teaching and...
2024-09-0434 min
Two Ways NewsGod the inscrutableDear friendsWell once again, I have to open with an apology for the lateness of this week’s edition, again due to sickness in the team. (Please bear with us as we try to get back on track and on schedule over the next couple of weeks.)There are deep waters in Romans 9-11, which we’ve been discussing over the past couple of episodes. And today, we get to the deepest mysteries of all—how God’s plans for Israel and the nations involve the hardening of Israel, the grafting in of the Gentiles...
2024-07-2638 min
Two Ways NewsAscending to heavenDear friends,Apologies for this week’s episode being a couple of days late — some unavoidable delays due to sickness in the team. And sincere apologies too that (for the same reason) we’re not able to bring you a transcript of the conversation this week.For those of who you are readers rather than listeners, we’ve provided a few choice quotes below that might tempt you, just this once, to listen to the conversation rather than read it. (And we won’t blame you at all if do so at 1.25x speed!)And let...
2024-07-1843 min
Two Ways NewsIs God God?Dear friendsIt’s been a history making few weeks—a presidential debate in the US that seems likely to change the course of the election, elections in France and the UK that seem likely to change the direction of both countries, and so on.But why do we choose some events and declare them to be the stuff of ‘history’ (as opposed to other events)? And is there any point or direction to history? Or is it just wave after wave of people and events, crashing upon the shore and then disappearing again?Romans...
2024-07-1039 min
The Pastor's Heart with Dominic SteeleActing like men? - with Phillip Jensen, Craig Hamilton, Adrian Russell and Robin KinsteadWhat is it to be #likeaman?There are not many places in the New Testament where men are spoken to specifically.Today we are thinking about being a Christian man.In the ESV and NASB the translation of 1 Corinthians 16:13 has ‘Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong’. (ESV)But what does that mean?Dominic Steele put that question to panelists at the recent Men Meeting the challenge conference:Adrian Russell, senior minister of Northmead Anglican Church.Craig Hamilton, senior minister at P...
2024-06-1831 min
Two Ways NewsOut of my mindDear friends,Just me this week, with Phillip away on holidays. And I’ve found myself thinking quite a lot in the past few days about … thinking.In reading Romans 7 and 8 in recent weeks, I’ve been struck by how much Paul talks about the ‘mind’. The contrast in Romans 7 is between what we know with our mind to be good and true, and what the ‘fleshly’ part of us just goes ahead and does anyway. And in Romans 8, there’s a very clear dichotomy—between the new mind that is set on the Spirit (bringing life and...
2024-06-1832 min
Two Ways NewsLest we forget GodDear friends,In light of Anzac Day last week, Phillip and Tony converse about how our current lives are not as far removed from our forefathers and those who have gone before us as we might think.Through the lens of Romans 5:12-21, we see how all the more true this is in our spiritual lives, and how much more powerful is the one whose sacrifice can change the entire course of our lives.We hope this conversation is edifying and encouraging as we remember the sacrifices of the people who has made...
2024-05-0135 min
Two Ways NewsDeeply positive buzzDear friends,It has been marvelous to keep receiving your emails and bumping into people who have been listening to the podcast and say thank you for the encouraging discussions that Tony and I have had.However I do find there are also a lot of people who say to me they don’t know about the podcast yet. So if you like this podcast, please do get the word out as word of mouth is the most powerful way of spreading it.And the second thing is, if you like this podcast, pl...
2024-04-2336 min
Two Ways NewsGreetings from the LetterboxDear friendsTony is away on leave for the next few weeks, so I—Jessica Sutandar from the Two Ways News production team—will be introducing the episodes in his stead. The following weeks will feature some episodes that Tony and Phillip recorded before Tony went on leave.Today, in this long-awaited letterbox episode, Tony has recorded his response to some of the questions that you have sent over the past few weeks, dear listeners.Below is an edited transcript of select answers (in response to Paul Grimmond’s comment on theological application and to...
2024-04-1631 min
Two Ways NewsHe gets our sinfulnessDear friendsWe’re back with the our second excursion into the book of Romans, this time on the second half of chapter 1, with its very bracing discussion of human wickedness and God’s angry response to it. When we were recording this episode, the internet was awash with people discussing the Super Bowl ad that featured foot-washing Christians accepting and loving the marginalized groups of our society, with punchline ‘He gets us’. I started our discussion by asking Phillip what he thought of it. I hope you enjoying the conversation that followed.You...
2024-03-0436 min
Two Ways NewsIgnored, misunderstood and irrelevantDear friends,Quite often on Two Ways News, we start with some issue that’s current or that Phillip or I are particularly exercised by, and think through what the gospel and the Bible as a whole say about it. But it’s important to go in the other direction as well—to start with the Bible, and see what God is saying there, and let that set our agenda. In this week’s episode, we begin a little series where we’ll be doing just that, with the book of Romans as our point of departur...
2024-02-2639 min
Two Ways NewsWhy did we take the children?Dear friendsOne of the most widely viewed editions ever of Two Ways News was our discussion of the morality of voting Yes or No in last year’s ‘Voice’ referendum here in Australia. That episode touched only very briefly on the problem that, for many people, was a key issue in the referendum—and that is the historical alienation, prejudice and disadvantage that Aboriginal and Torres St Islander people have suffered at the hands of white Australians over the past 200 years. The recent death of Aboriginal leader Lowitja O’Donoghue provides an occasion for...
2024-02-2038 min
Two Ways NewsGospel-centred SquabblesDear friends,With Phillip away this week, I’ve taken the opportunity of chatting to our regular North American correspondent—Marty Sweeney, director of Matthias Media USA.We talked in particular about a debate that’s broken out in recent months in the US over the ‘gospel-centred’ label—and we could even have a squabble about the spelling of ‘centred’ if we wanted to!To be ‘gospel-centred’ is a kind of motherhood statement and aspiration, but some are questioning whether it has become a cover for having a minimalist view of Christian involvement in anything other th...
2024-02-1227 min
Two Ways NewsHow does the Bible shape our practice?Dear friendsThis week I’m hoping that you can help me prepare for a major talk that I’m giving in a few weeks time at the Nexus Conference (on March 11 here in Sydney). Nexus is an annual ministry conference for the evangelicals of greater Sydney to get together in person for the day, to encourage each other, and to stretch and challenge each other. (If you’re in Sydney and haven’t signed up yet, here’s where you can do that!) This year the conference is about how to move from theolog...
2024-02-0534 min
Two Ways NewsA New Year of GriefDear friendsIt’s nice to be back for 2024 and chatting with Phillip again, although I can’t say I expected death and grieving to be our first conversation topic for the year.But that’s the nature of suffering, sorrow and grief. You can’t plan around it, or avoid it when it comes. But we can be prepared to respond Christianly to it, which means bringing the gospel to bear.That’s the nature of the Christian life, and the tagline of this podcast—‘Gospel thinking for today’—and that’s certainly true when...
2024-01-2935 min
Two Ways NewsFirst and second order issuesDear friendsWelcome back to a new year of Two Ways News.Tony is not quite back yet—he’ll be with us on next week’s episode—but in the meantime I hope you enjoy this conversation with Talar about ‘first order’ and ‘second order’ issues in ministry. It’s a common way of talking about things we disagree about in ministry or in the Christian life—that there are ‘first order’ questions of prime importance that we must resolve and be unified about, and then there are ‘second order’ issues that we can afford to put to one s...
2024-01-2228 min
Two Ways NewsThe Trouble with TranslationsDear friends,In today’s episode we will be talking about different Bible translations and the various factors that we must consider when reading and choosing different translations.We hope it is an edifying conversation.Yours,PhillipPS. This will be our last episode of the year. Thank you for your partnership with Two Ways News and we will be back again in January. In the meantime, look out for reposts of some top favourite episodes on the Two Ways Ministries Instagram and Facebook. Th...
2023-12-1823 min
Two Ways NewsThe Christmas MarathonDear friends,Christmas is a great time to see how our society responds to the gospel, and how we can use the opportunities of Christmas to proclaim Jesus to the world. I am once again joined by Talar Khatchoyan while Tony is away on long service leave. Yours,Phillip This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.twoways.news/subscribe
2023-12-1222 min
Two Ways NewsThe Forgotten GenocideLast week, Phillip talked about war and the horrors of war, and one of those wars is in Armenia or a part of Armenia. Today we have with us Talar who is Armenian and has come to share about the history of Armenia and her own journey in living for Christ. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.twoways.news/subscribe
2023-10-3024 min
Two Ways NewsThe Horror of WarDear FriendsTony is down sick and so this week’s edition is me interviewing myself. However, this is not a week for jokes and humour as we are confronted once more with the horror of war. The news out of the Israel/Hamas conflict is quite frankly appalling. The frightful cruelty and savagery of the incursion of Hamas into Israel villages on 7 October has opened up a new chapter in the protracted conflict. At the time of writing, we await with trepidation Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip. What are we to make of th...
2023-10-2314 min
Two Ways NewsSpeaking as an Anglican, I’d like to bring back the church choirDear friendsFollowing our episode on the ‘Atmospheric Church’ a few weeks ago, quite a few of you have gotten in touch with questions and comments about the nature of our church gatherings, about singing and music, and about how we should think biblically and theologically about these things. In response, this week’s episode has another crack at these issues, by means of a quirky proposal: “Speaking as an Anglican, I’d like to bring back the church choir”. To listen to me try to persuade Phillip of this crackpot idea, just click on the p...
2023-08-2246 min
Two Ways NewsThe gospel and the GospelsDear friendsThis episode Phillip and I chat about how the ‘gospel’ that we proclaim (such as in this new book, or via the Two Ways to Live framework) relates to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The former declares some news, along with its background and implications; the latter tells a story and introduces you to the person of Jesus. Many questions arise: - If there is only one ‘gospel’, how come the way the gospel is preached in Acts seems very different from the lengthy, story-filled narratives that we call ‘the Gospels’?
2023-08-0825 min
Two Ways NewsThe Atmospheric ChurchHi everyonePhillip and I are back together again this week, and tackling a curly but very important question. It’s the one that I promised we’d get back to, from Craig in the US, who wrote to ask about the creation of ‘atmosphere’ in church.No doubt our answer will provoke even more questions, but we hope it’s a help to Craig, and to all of you, as you think through emotions, affections and ‘atmosphere’ in our church gatherings.Your brotherTony This is a public ep...
2023-07-0441 min
Two Ways NewsStatues and HeroesHello again. It’s Tony’s turn to be sick this week, so you’ll have to put up with just me speaking to you—about the subject of statues and heroes. Phillip-----If you have been finding Two Ways News beneficial and encouraging, we would love for you to consider joining our Supporters Club—the people who make it possible for us to keep producing this newsletter/podcast—if you haven’t already.To subscribe for free or join the Supporters Club, follow the link below to the ‘subscribe’...
2023-06-2717 min
Two Ways NewsChristian essentialsHi everyoneGreat to see some of you at the King’s Birthday Conference this week in Sydney.In the week leading up to the conference (with Phillip preparing his talk and struggling with a bout of covid), I had a chat with Ken Noakes about the subject of Christian maturity and its essential nature. Ken has written a unique and helpful book on the subject, and I started by asking him the basic question that I think all authors want to be asked.TP This is a public episode. If...
2023-06-1536 min
Centre for Christian Living podcast096: The Holy Spirit and the Christian life with Phillip JensenIt’s sad that over the last century, so much division among Christians has come from different beliefs about the Holy Spirit. Perhaps what’s even more sad is that these differences are, at their core, about God himself. Who is the God we worship? What is the work that he does in our lives? How does he work, and to what end does he do this work? The tragedy is that the Holy Spirit is promised to us as the bond of peace among Christians (Eph 4:3). Indeed, it’s in spiritual unity that we confess one Lord, one faith and on...
2023-06-0131 min
Two Ways NewsTheology mattersDear friendsI seem to be having trouble tracking Phillip down at the moment. As I write this, he’s travelling up to the UNSW Mid-Year Conference (I’ll be heading up there this week as well), so it’s me again in this week’s edition. And the subject of this week’s edition comes courtesy of an email from one of our subscribers. Craig from the US writes about two important and related issues he’d like us to address, and as I started to rough out some answers I realised that it was going to...
2023-05-3025 min
Two Ways NewsThe Coronation and the KingDear friendsAs I write this, we are now looking back on the pomp and circumstance of King Charles’s coronation. The media did their usual thing, mixing extraordinary images of pageantry and patriotism with a soundtrack of celebrity gossip, fashion notes and inane commentary. However, in this week’s episode (recorded in the days just before coronation), Phillip and I talk about why we have public events like coronations at all, why they are like weddings, and why the content and symbolism of this particular coronation reveals a lot about the Bible’s distin...
2023-05-1036 min
Two Ways NewsA Jensen Brothers EpisodeWith Tony away on holiday, Phillip has brought in his brother Peter Jensen for a special conversation on Easter, their new books The Coming of the Holy Spirit and The Life of Faith: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine, as well as the upcoming King’s Coronation. Below are some snippets of the conversation. Listen to the full episode to glean more from the depth of their insights of our world today and to enjoy some good ol’ brotherly banter in between. (We’ll be taking a break from Two Ways News next week. God willing, we’ll be...
2023-04-2040 min
Two Ways NewsHow is God's word unchained?In this week’s Two Ways News I’m flying solo, my regular co-pilot (Phillip Jensen) having been grounded with a nasty bug.My subject connects with a number of themes we’ve been discussing over the past several episodes. Given the increasing marginalization of Christianity in our culture, is it going to get more difficult to preach the gospel? Or perhaps easier?If God’s gospel is going to run free—unchained and powerful and changing people’s lives—how is that going to happen if we are increasingly being silenced?PSThanks to...
2023-04-0420 min
Two Ways NewsTremble at his word in the heat of battleLast Monday, Phillip and I were at the Nexus Conference here in Sydney—a one-day gathering that aims to stretch and encourage ministry workers and leaders in the task of reaching Sydney (and beyond) with the gospel. It was a very stimulating and encouraging day, built around the Isaianic theme of trembling at the word of God: Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?All these things my hand has made, an...
2023-03-2041 min
Two Ways NewsThat’s just your interpretationWe’ve spoken quite often here at Two Ways News (and before that in ‘The Payneful Truth’ years) about how the gospel is a particular thing. You can express it using different words and in your own style, but it’s not infinitely malleable. It has a definite content that we can know from the New Testament, and which we can explain to other people. The same is true with the Bible generally.These days, both of these claims are controversial, and the common form of the pushback goes something like this: “How can you be so sure? We a...
2023-02-2736 min
Two Ways NewsThe myth of the public squareThis week’s edition features a piece from Tony about the strange and elusive phenomenon of the ‘public square’. What is it exactly? Should Christians be concerned that we are excluded from it? And what should we do if we are?In this podcast version, Tony and Phillip chat through a first draft of the piece, and try to improve it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.twoways.news/subscribe
2023-02-2034 min
Two Ways NewsJesus, God, BibleWith Phillip away this week, I’ve gone to the substitute’s bench and hauled in Mark Thompson for a chat. Good to be able to get the Principal of Moore College as a fill in!Mark also lectures and writes in theology, and just last year, he published a more general book for Christians called The Doctrine of Scripture: An Introduction (through Crossway) which is not the most funtastic title in the world but does tell you exactly what the book is about. In this conversation, we'll be hearing from Mark how this book can help Chri...
2023-02-0639 min
Two Ways NewsTeach your children wellAs we send our kids back to school (as parents in Australia are doing this week), a question many of us might face is 'What are we actually doing?' With the government running schools for the most part, it isn't strange when parents wonder whose role it is to teach our children.As we discuss this topic, we hope to shed some light on some of the challenges that we face as Christian parents, and equip you with some encouragements as you seek to educate your children in the ways of the Lord in such a...
2023-01-3034 min
Two Ways NewsIs it the season to be jolly?In our end of year episode, we talk about the positives and negatives of Christmas and ministry. Plus some book recommendations for summer reading: The Case Against the Sexual Revolution, by Louise Perry.The Gospel of the Kingdom, by David Seccombe. The Coming of the Holy Spirit, by Philip Jensen.Busy: Tackling the Problem of an Overloaded Christian Life, by Ian Carmichael. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes...
2022-12-1843 min
Two Ways NewsWhat we stand forWhat are the fundamentals that we share as evangelical Christians—the beliefs that bind us together as partners in the gospel, and which enable us to work together? And correspondingly, how much difference and disagreement is too much? When and how can we still work together despite our differences?And what has all this got to do with the Federalist Society?Listen to the full conversation, or read Tony's summarising article at twoways.news.Resources referred to:Student Witness and Christian Truth, by Robert M. HornThe Limits of Fe...
2022-12-1145 min
Two Ways NewsGullible cynicismIn this week's conversation, Phillip and I talk about the value and dangers of academic scholarship -- particularly the kind of biblical and theological scholarship that is done in mainstream universities. How can we appreciate and benefit from the work of scholars, but not be gullible about the motives and assumptions from which many of them work?To chase up our reference to Helen Pluckrose and what has become known as 'The Grievance Studies Hoax', this article on Wikipedia gives a decent summary. This is a public episode...
2022-11-2033 min
Two Ways NewsDetoxing masculinityPhillip is away this week, so Tony flies solo as he interacts with Al Stewart's fascinating and impressive new book The Manual: Getting masculinity right. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.twoways.news/subscribe
2022-11-1022 min
Two Ways NewsThe gospel call to ministrySometimes evangelicals are accused of making such a big deal of full-time Christian work that it sends an implicit (or even explicit) signal that people who don’t go into full-time ministry are second class. At other times, we panic about the ‘minister drought’ and bemoan the fact that no-one is being challenged to go into full-time ministry any more.Is it possible to avoid these problems? What’s the right way to challenge people to consider full-time Christian work without devaluing those who don’t pursue that path?A conversation with Tony Payne and Phillip Je...
2022-11-0339 min
Two Ways NewsWhat's wrong with tribalism anyway?In last week's episode, we touched briefly on 'postmodern progressive tribalism' -- a description that sounds mostly negative, especially about tribalism. But is tribalism necessarily bad? Is individualism (which is its most frequent alternative) any better? And is there a gospel way of thinking about tribalism and individualism that saves us from the pitfalls of both? Join Tony Payne and Phillip Jensen for a lively discussion of these questions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit...
2022-10-2643 min
Two Ways NewsThe freedom to speakThe first edition of Two Ways News, a new podcast and newsletter collaboration between Tony Payne and Phillip Jensen. Find out more, subscribe, and read or listen to past editions of Tony's newsletter 'The Payneful Truth', at the Two Ways News website. To get in touch, make comments or ask questions, send an email to tonyjpayne@me.com. And if you’d like to listen to the whole clip of Stephane Grappelli’s swing version of Bach’s Double Concerto, you can find it here! This is a public...
2022-10-2042 min
Two Ways NewsThe road to spiritual health is paved with Christian booksBefore we get to the subject of why Christian books are so vital, a follow up from last week’s post about being a ‘conservative’. Geoff Robson, who has taken over much of the editorial work I used to do at Matthias Media, got in touch to share a great quote from Peter Jensen. Geoff writes: You reminded me of when PFJ became Archbishop (when I’d been working at Anglican Media for just over a year), and the media picked up on the label ‘radical conservative’ that had been applied to him at some point. He said he like...
2022-07-2815 min
Help Me Teach The BiblePhillip Jensen on 1 Timothy (Re-Release)In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked with Phillip Jensen at his Two Ways Ministries office in the heart of Sydney, Australia. Over a lifetime, Jensen’s ministry has centered around the exposition of the Scriptures. He served as chaplain for the University of New South Wales, offered leadership to the Katoomba Christian Convention, founded Matthias Media, and most recently served as dean of St. Andrews Cathedral in Sydney.To teach 1 Timothy, Jensen suggests we begin not at the outset of the letter but at the center, where Paul’s purpose for writing is stated clearl...
2022-05-121h 06
The Pastor's Heart with Dominic SteeleBest practice Mother’s Day - with Phillip Jensen and Kate StaceMothers Day is a day of both celebration and sorrow for some. In today's episode, we think theologically, historically and pragmatically with Kate Stace and Phillip Jensenon on how to make Mothers Day excellent at church and how to serve the church family well for maximum mission impact! Since Mothers Day is emotionally complex for a number of members inside and out of the church, we also talk on how to care personally for these people who struggle through this day.Kate Stace is part of the te...
2022-04-1229 min
Two Ways NewsConducting an exposéFor our first Q&A interview for 2022, I figured it was time to sit down with Phillip Jensen and have a chin wag. As is usually the case when we get together, the conversation bounced here and there, covering everything from why the resurrection is the climax of the gospel, to why our preaching should be more like an exposé than an apology. The audio version of the conversation goes for about 40 minutes. The edited text version below doesn’t cover the whole thing—but I figured that 3000 words of transcript was enough!Enjoy.TP
2022-01-1844 min
The Pastor's Heart with Dominic SteeleDissecting the new Two Ways to Live - with Phillip Jensen and Tony PayneWe are joined by the authors of Two Ways to Live, Phillip Jensen and Tony Payne, to talk through the changes they have made to the iconic gospel outline. We talk through the what and why behind the changes.Plus how do they respond to recent criticisms of the Two Ways to Live outline? Phillip Jensen is the former Anglican Dean of Sydney. He now leads Two Ways Ministries. Tony Payne is chair of Matthias Media. See the related discussion with Sam Chan on his 'Evangelism in...
2021-10-2635 min
Leadership Interviews with Mark DeverPastoral Ministry and Training (with Phillip Jensen)Phillip Jensen attacks evangelical assumptions about ministry training, spiritual gifts, and more.Original publication date: Dec 1, 2009
2021-09-281h 03
Two Ways NewsQ&A with MartyFor those of who are new to The Payneful Truth, every month or so I have a Q&A style conversation with a friend. It’s usually one of the partner-only posts, but this month I thought I’d made it a freebie for everyone on the list. This month it’s with my good friend Marty Sweeney, director of Matthias Media in the USA, and a pastor at Old North Church in Canfield, Ohio. We talk about some new books in the pipeline from Matthias Media, about an extraordinary new book not published by Matthias Media, about whether readin...
2021-09-2242 min
The Pastor's Heart with Dominic SteeleWhat should we say about vaccines + vaccination passports for church? - with John McClean, Ray Galea and Phillip JensenHow and should Christian pastors exercise leadership in the debate over vaccination? What role should the church leader play in speaking to members about vaccination when there’s a range of different perspectives? What difference will selfish individualism vs an ethic of other person centredness/ community responsibility make to the vaccination rollout? What’s the impact of the society’s loss of confidence in government, science and journalism on the current debate?Plus, How should we feel about suggestions to make vaccination passports for churc...
2021-08-0234 min
Let's Taco-Bout The DeadLet's Taco-Bout The Dead: With Erik Jensen (Episode 3)Let's Taco-Bout The Dead: With Erik Jensen. Erik played Dr Steven Edwards who worked in Grady, the hospital that Beth was at in her last few episodes. Erik has been in so many amazing projects so it was super fun being able to him about all things TWDU, himself and just random nerdy things. I hope you enjoy the video, thank you for watching!
2021-02-111h 21
Two Ways NewsThe Bible verse that still kills meThis is one of the free posts that goes out every three weeks or so to everyone on the Payneful Truth mailing list (i.e. ‘partners’ and those on the free list). If you’re a ‘freelister’ and wondering what you’ve missed over the last few weeks, we’ve had posts on:* ‘masculinism’ (a follow-up to that post about feminism)* a discussion of the nature and value of gospel outlines, and whether Two ways to live is worth renovating after all these years;* plus a draft new version of the Two ways to live outline fo...
2020-08-1918 min